Odisha, also known as Orissa, is a fascinating location in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, boasting a rich culture and past. A visit to the state is memorable for various reasons, including Konark Sun Temple’s architectural work, Jagannath Temple Puri’s spiritual ambiance, Puri Beach’s serenity, India’s largest saltwater lake, and coastal lagoon, and the allure of the oldest still-performed Indian classical dance, Odissi. If you’re considering visiting this state, include these top attractions.
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Top 10 Tourist Places In Odisha
Odisha is one of the fantastic states in India. There are hill stations, valleys, national parks, beaches, and rivers on one side, and temples and other religious attractions exist on the other. The natural beauty of mother nature and God’s presence are strongly cherished at the locations in Odisha. View a few of Odisha’s top tourism destinations. Some of these names are well-known, while others are relatively obscure.
- Puri – Famous for Jagannath Temple, Unique Sand Art, One of the Four Dhams, and One of the Most Beautiful Sea Beaches in the World
- Konark – Famous as an Ancient Temples
- Bhubaneswar – Land Of Beautiful Architecture famous as a Temple City
- Chilika Lake- Largest brackish water lake
- Cuttack – The Vintage City, Famous for Barabati Stadium, Mahanadi Barrage, and Dahi Bara Allu Dum
- Paradip – The Famous Sea Port
- Rourkela – One Of The Largest Cities
- Gopalpur – The Beautiful Port Town
- Kendrapada – The Bhitara Kanika wildlife sanctuary in Kendrapara is world-famous for natural crocodile breeding
- Koraput – Famous for tribal and natural beauty
Puri: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit:
Puri is a tourism hotspot that is a must-see for tourists and devoted travelers alike. One of the Char Dhams and well-known temples is the one in Puri called the Jagannath Temple. Just 60 KMS from the capital, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is the lovely city of Puri. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and offers a stunning setting with palm trees, shimmering seas, and a bright sky. Tourists enjoy the sea beaches also.
How to Visit:
Many direct Trains are available to Puri. You can come to Bhubaneswar(the capital of Odisha), and from there, you can book a bus, train, and local taxi to Puri.
- By Air: You can book a taxi, bus, and train from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (59 km away).
- By Train: Take a direct train to reach Puri Railway Station
- By Road: NH316 and NH60 are the leading national highways to visit the town by road.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Puri is between October and February because the weather is consistently excellent, pleasant, and calming during this time.
Konark: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
Konark is one of the top places to visit in Odisha and a center for ancient sculpture and art. The carvings of the Konark Sun Temple, one of India’s seven wonders, draw crowds of tourists all year. The city also offers a peaceful beach, a fascinating archaeological museum to explore, and its magnificent temples. One of the main attractions in Odisha, especially for art enthusiasts, is undoubtedly the Konark Sun Temple, which houses some of the world’s best sculptures and works of art.
How to Visit:
- By Air: After reaching Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (61 km away), you can take a taxi.
- By Train: Puri Railway Station (37 km away) is the nearest option. Take a cab or bus from there.
- By Road: You can reach Konark inin two ways: takee the Puri-Konark Marine Drive or Konark-Kakatpur Road.
Best Time to Visit:
The optimum time to visit Konark is generally between September and March.
Bhubaneswar: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
Bhubaneswar, also known as the “Temple City of India,” is the ideal fusion of ancient and contemporary cultures. There are many locations to discover in Bhubaneshwar, including gorgeous parks and lakes, old caves and temples built in the Kalinga architectural style. Popular attractions in this area include Lingaraj Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.
How to Visit:
- By Air: A flight to the Biju Patnaik International Airport is required, then you can book a taxi and local autos to travel to Bhubaneswar.
- By Train: Board a train at Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
- By Road: The primary thoroughfares that link Bhubaneshwar to the rest of Odisha are NH 16 and NH 316.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter is the ideal time to visit the city from mid-October to mid-March. The weather is delightful and relaxed, and the temperature is still low.
Summer. The sweltering summer months are from April to May.
Monsoon. The city receives significant monsoon rainfall from June to September.
Chilika Lake: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
India’s largest saltwater lake and coastal lagoon. Forty-four kilometers away from Puri. It is the migrating birds’ most important breeding location. All kinds of birds, including flamingos, sea eagles, jacanas, and graylag geese, are abundant there. For bird lovers, the lake is a treat because of this. The most enormous flamingo breeding colonies are located there.
It is referred to be one of the ecosystems that support Chilika Lake Sanctuary. It is also home to Irrawaddy dolphins, distinguished from other dolphins by their color and dorsal fin.
How to Visit:
- By Air: A flight to the Biju Patnaik International Airport, then you can book a local taxi to Chilika, it’s best for you.
- Using Public Transit: Board a train at Bhubaneswar Railway Station, then you can book a local taxi to Chilika.
Best Time to Visit:
Since this is the migratory bird season and when the lake is most spectacularly viewed, November to February is the finest time to visit Chilika Lake.
Cuttack: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
Cuttack, often known as “Silver City,” is the cultural center of Odisha and has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It is also home to stunning silver, brass, and ivory filigree works. In this location, you’ll be transported back in time by the Barabati Fort, Mahanadi Barrage, Ansupa Lake, Balijatra, and Durga Puja.
How to Visit:
By Air: Bhubaneswar’s (30 km) Biju Patnaik International Airport is the closest airport. Cab and bus services there available.
By Train: Reach Cuttack Junction via train.
By Road: Take NH 16 or NH 55 to get to Cuttack.
Best Time to Visit:
The months of October through March are ideal for visiting this city.
Paradip: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
The well-known seaport of India is included in the top tourist attractions in Odisha. It is situated where the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal meet.
How to Visit:
By Air: Fly to Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (67 km away), then hire a taxi.
By Train: Take a bus or taxi from Gorakhnath Railway Station (13 km away) or Bhubaneswar Railway Station (63 km away).
By Road: NH55 connects Jagatsinghpur to the locations close by.
Best Time to Visit:
The monsoon season is ideal for visiting the beach because the weather is lovely, and the woodlands are well-watered.
Rourkela: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
One of Odisha’s most significant cities is Rourkela. The area’s main draws are the steel plant and related industrial development. It is one of the top destinations in Odisha due to its historic temples, parks, dams, and waterfalls, which also draw tourists.
How to Visit:
- By Air: Take a flight to Rourkela Airport
- By Train: Reach Rourkela Junction and take a taxi
- By Road: NH 143 connects Rourkela to other parts of Odisha.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time of year to visit Rourkela is from October to March.
Gopalpur: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
Gopalpur is the place to go if you enjoy port cities. This town is located south of the state, on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular tourist destination in Odisha. The city’s beaches are well-known, and the town is a port. On your next visit to Odisha, go beach hopping here in this town and unwind on one of the beaches.
How to Visit:
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (171 km away) and then take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Reach Berhampur Railway Station (15 km away) and hire a cab.
- By Road: NH 516 and NH 16 are the two highways that connect Gopalpur to other parts of Odisha.
Best Time to Visit:
The most incredible time to visit Gopalpur is during the four months from November to February because of the cooler temperatures, lower humidity levels, and more exciting tourist attractions.
Kendrapada: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
Kendrapada is famous for Bhitar Kanika, one of the second-largest mangrove habitats in the nation, spanning 672 km. You can take a boat trip through its system of creeks and canals and observe the local wildlife, which includes saltwater crocodiles, pythons, wild boars, deer, hyenas, and migrating birds.
How to Visit:
By air: The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 145 kilometers from the park entrances, and is called Biju Patnaik International Airport. Leave the airport and take a cab or bus.
By Train: A bus or taxi will take you from Bhadrak Railway Station to Chandbali River Port if you travel by train (53 km away). There are direct boat services between Chandbali and Bhitarkanika.
By Road: From Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other surrounding locations, take a taxi or bus to Chandbali or the park entry points.
Best Time to Visit:
The period known as winter lasts from October through March. It is a lovely time to take in the area’s outstanding splendor. Migratory birds from Central Asia and Europe arrive here during this period.
Koraput: Why Visit, How to Visit, Best Time to Visit
Why Visit:
This bustling area, tucked away in the Eastern Ghats, is home to various tourist attractions and tribal people. Nature enthusiasts can be mesmerized by the surreal beauty of Kolab Dam, Duduma Waterfalls, and Deomali – the highest mountain peak in the state – while worshippers and history buffs can visit Sabar Srikhetra Jagannath Temple, Gupteshwar Temple, and Jeypore King’s Palace.
How to Visit:
By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, located 198 kilometers away. Get a cab or a bus to Koraput.
By Train: Train riders should go 28 kilometers to Jeypore Railway Station and then get a taxi.
By Road: The national highways that will take you to Koraput are NH326, NH26, NH48, and NH4.
Best Time to Visit:
The best months to visit Koraput are June/July and November through
